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Wednesday, July 07, 2010

Hummingbird Bakery

On to more important things - the mass invasion of the Cupcake into London!

Did you know British bakers are visiting New York City for just one day, stopping in at least 18 bakeries and then flying home to knock us off in their own inimitable way?The Hummingbird Bakery was on my route from South Ken Station to the Club, so I could not miss this major high point of London gourmandises. The lines are every bit as fraught with anticipation and angst as at Pierre Herme in Paris... In the name of research I too joined the line and bought a red velvet cuppie... Whilst stealing as many shots as possible... All in the name of cupcake research of course... I am not a true devotee of the almighty cupcake but Hummingbird's graphics are out of this world... Plus their cookery book, The Hummingbird Bakery Cookbook is praised to the skies on Amazon.uk and the pictures are adorable... I spotted these luscious OTT numbers along Kings Road - our cupcake is EVERYWHERE in London... Even as I was rushing to catch the 'chunnel' back to Paris I found cupcake wrapping paper in St. Pancras station. Why didn't I buy it at 5:20 am?

Welcome back! You were missed yesterday morning, but well worth the wait.LOVE the video and the watercolor and all the terribly important info for future travelers to Britain.Must remember to do cupcake research by all means!

Well, Carol, I just asked me mum about the cupcakes she made us as children. She says, 'they are not bloody British.' They're Welsh! (She's kidding about the Welsh part.) They are American. Can you tell I'm half-and-half? Anyway, I've been boycotting cupcakes for a long time until they are not fashionable again. (Although we do have as a neighbor the adorable Warren of CakeLove in the neighborhood.)

I agree with you about Laduree being a real good choice for its delicacy and light on the icing. I am still not a big fan of cupcakes or cake , but love the way they look and photograph and love even better your paintings of them.

How interesting! This reminds me...one day my daughter and I were sitting outside at Mamie Gateaux in the 6th, enjoying our afternoon coffee and scones (hey, we're americans :-)). At the table next to us were a couple of english speakers, seemed british to me, and the one woman was telling the other all about her adventures in opening a cupcake shop in Paris! Oh I tried so hard to eavesdrop every word...no details, just know that the cupcake it hot!

i have to say that i think cupcakes are over rated! They look beautiful and as your photos show, can be a real art form, but that doesn't mean they are good to eat. All that sugar and icing, and the cake is always so plain. Give me a french patisserie any day!!

I'm a grad student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Oddly enough, I found your site while trying to pick myself up after a crap break-up. Anyway, I'm so glad I did! I have been to France several times, not in the last few years unfortunately, and adored it. After I graduate next year, I will have several months free before starting medical school in Ireland (hopefully) and would like to mess around in France beforehand.

Your blog is perfect to provide inspiration.

So after a lengthy introduction, I was wondering what shoes have you seen women wear when walking a great deal and during winter?

Really any more pieces about typical French fashion (and cooking) would be wonderful!

Thanks so much, hope all is going swimmingly with you,Adored from Wisconsin

I know this is going to sound crazy. We're going to Amsterdam to visit our son who is doing a film/tv studio internship. We have a bonus 4 days after Amsterdam and aren't settled on where to go. Paris is the obvious, answer, right? I'm now addicted to the Paris Breakfasts style of Paris, not the long lines, "must see" spots of Paris. Shockingly, I've never been to Europe but people have always assumed I've been to Paris at least a few times. What would Carol do?Best regards,Heather in California

I am shocked to hear you have not been to Europe Ellen...Who would have guessed? You play a good act.Of course you should go to Paris. Is there really anything to question here?If you find anything to complain about, make a note and we can discuss it at length afterwards. What other choices to you have? Going to Leyden?Hands down Paris it must be.Carolg

Lazy mom that I am, the last 3 years of my toddler's life has not seen a birthday cake for her annual fete, simply my homemade cupcakes (always, light on the frosting---a must) in a tiered presentation for the birthday song and candles blown out. who knew I was soooo hip. Anyway the cupcake should have it's day, so portable, so adorable and so delicious (watch the frosting though). And Whoopie pies?! what is next cake pops? ala Bakerella (http://www.bakerella.com/category/pops-bites/cupcake-pops/)

Only not the petite little numbers you're showing, they're HUGE (hey, we're Americans right, everything's big) and covered in frosting and various sprinkles etc. The were pretty to look at but I was afraid to eat them, I might go into some sort of sugar shock.

As a person who cuts the frosting off most cakes, please put me in the Laduree cupcake list...but only if I can't have anything else there! Missing that wrapping paper is such a sever lapse in judgment, I can only think you were sleepwalking when you shot it. With the best of intentions, I got distracted by Josh this AM, who left after visiting for my retirement party, but I am inching my way up to reading you earlier.and whoopie pies? I have long heard of them, but never partaken. I guess I'd better hurry up since the Brits and Frenchies have scooped me!

I was just in London in April, and stayed down the street from the Hummingbird Bakery. I love cupcakes, and was drooling every time we walked by. After a week I could not stand it anymore. I went in and bought 4 different kinds. I have to say it was the WORST cupcake I have ever had! I can not believe people stand outside in a line for them!

Bonjour Carol,Another Amercian institution invades Europe! - (no offense intended). Starbuck's have a few tucked in thier display case right alongside the French Toast! I've resisted the Starbucks urge - not with all the fabulous boulangries in Paris...but then I broke down when one opened a half a block from my apartment. Great posts and witty commentary as usual! You have the best sense of humour. The top watercolor is wonderful. Try to stay cool and enjoy all those petit gateau!Mimi

Hi Carol. You won't believe what I found...Happy Barkday cupcake for a little Shih Tzu named Wonder! http://myadorableshihtzus.blogspot.com/The Blogger is Wen from Singapore and she just loves her 6, now 7, Shih Tzus. She cooks home made meals for them everyday and bakes beautiful, yummy doggy barkday cakes for each of them on their birthday!! They are absolutely gorgeous!...cakes, food and of course the Shih Tzus. Enjoy!

Oh I wish I could go to Laduree right now and buy a cupcake in those divine blue cases with gold writing...my fave colours.Thank you for such a gorgeous post.We have a few gorgeous cupcake places here in Western Australia. Maybe I could do a post on them too!